Gonçalves and Peseiro, both Portuguese, are no strangers, having worked together at Sporting, with the former working in the youth team while the latter was in the main team.
Angola’s Pedro Gonçalves has revealed that he’s been in touch with Super Eagles coach, Jose Peseiro ahead of Friday’s quarterfinal clash between both countries.
Gonçalves and Peseiro, both Portuguese, are no strangers, having worked together at Sporting, with the former working in the youth team while the latter was in the main team.
Angola defeated Namibia 3-0, while Ademola Lookman’s brace ensured victory for Nigeria against Cameroon in the round of 16.
Speaking ahead of the clash with Portuguese outlet Record, Gonçalves said both coaches have exchanged messages as friends about the competition.
His words: “We have exchanged some messages of mutual encouragement throughout the competition.
The time has come for us to compete among ourselves. I am absolutely convinced that it will be an intense game, but played with loyalty,” stating that he hopes his side will be “more competent” and can “take the strong team” led by José Peseiro.
Gonçalves, the 47-year-old tactician, also heaped praise on Peseiro and hailed him as a “doyen of sports coaching.”
He said, “José Peseiro is now a doyen of sports coaching in Portugal. He’s obviously a reference point for a whole generation like mine. It will be a great pleasure to face him on this occasion.”
Gonçalves also noted that the Super Eagles have a lot of potential, but football is about what happens on the pitch.
“Nigeria has a very large squad for this CAN. If we take into account the market value of each team’s squad or even the starting eleven, we’ll have an idea of the disproportion in perspective.
“What counts in soccer is, above all, competence on the pitch at the exact moment of the competition. We are aware of our qualities, and we are well aware of our ambition,” argues the Lisbon-born coach, stating that the AFCON 2023 campaign has opened up “new horizons for Angolan soccer and, above all, for young Angolan talent.”.
The game will take place at the Felix Houphouet-Boigny Stadium, Abidjan, on Friday, February 2, 2024 (6 p.m. Nigerian time).
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